MP NICK Hurd has been offered a ministerial position as Tory party rocked by bullying claims.

Downing Street have confirmed that Nick Hurd, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, will replace Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps as International Development minister.

The role will see the MP, the son of Lord Douglas Hurd, promote development overseas, particularly in developing countries, and aim to eliminate poverty.

Mr Hurd tweeted: “Sad about circumstances, but looking forward to joining @dfid_uk team at such a challenging time.”

Shapps resigned following claims he mishandled bullying allegations that reportedly led to the suicide of a young Conservative activist Elliott Johnson, 21, who was found dead on the tracks of Sandy railway station in Bedfordshire on September 15.

In his resignation letter Mr Shapps said he could not find any allegations of bullying or sexual abuse.

He added: "I cannot help but feel that the steady stream of those who raised smaller, more nuanced, objections should have perhaps set alarm bells ringing sooner.

"In the end, I signed that letter appointing Mark Clarke 'director of RoadTrip' and I firmly believe that whatever the rights and wrongs of a serious case like this, responsibility should rest somewhere.

"Over the past few weeks - as individual allegations have come to light - I have come to the conclusion that the buck should stop with me."